It is now easier than ever to access crypto services from your mobile or tablet. On this page, we look at the best apps for buying, selling, storing, and spending cryptocurrencies.
As cryptocurrencies grow increasingly popular, more individuals than ever are looking for mobile apps that suit their needs. This article explores the best cryptocurrency apps to help you make an informed choice.
What are the best crypto apps?
Well, that depends on what you are looking to do. We’ve broken them down into the best apps for buying, selling, trading, storing, and spending crypto. They all combine low fees and a strong reputation with a user-friendly interface and industry-leading security.
Top exchange apps for buying and selling cryptocurrency
If you just want to buy cryptocurrency tokens like Bitcoin and hold them as an investment, then consider signing up to one of the exchange apps in the table below. Our team has tested and verified each of them so you know they are good platforms.
Cex.io offers exchange of fiat currency for Bitcoin Ethereum, Tether, and 23 other cryptocurrencies, as well as Bitcoin/Ethereum trading against the USD.
Binance has grown exponentially since it was founded in 2017 and is now one of, if not the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges on the market.
Top broker apps for trading cryptocurrency
For trading cryptocurrencies, you need a reliable broker app that will allow you to open and close trades quickly, in order to take advantage of price changes. Choose a crypto broker app from the table below; it takes minutes to sign up and you’ll be able to trade instantly.
eToro
Key Features
Accepts customers from the USA
Offers 15 crypto coins to buy&sell including BTC, LTC, ETC, NEO and more
Trade on the world's leading social trading and investing platform
Offers 15 crypto coins to buy&sell including BTC, LTC, ETC, NEO and more
Trade on the world's leading social trading and investing platform
Top Coins
BTC
BCH
XRP
ETH
ETC
Payment Methods
Wire Transfer, Bank Transfer
eToro offers a wide range of cryptos, such as Bitcoin, XRP and others, alongside crypto/fiat and crypto/crypto pairs. eToro users can connect with, learn from, and copy or get copied by other users.
Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bank Transfer, Bitcoin
UK-based Crypto exchange company with FCA license. Global coverage of 180+ countries and unprecedented 48 US states. Buy & sell cryptocurrencies no matter where you are.
Top wallet apps for storing cryptocurrency
To store your crypto tokens securely, you might want to consider getting a personal wallet. These can enhance your security, and some now even have integrated exchanges so you can quickly swap between currencies. If this is what you want to do, we believe the below options are robust choices.
BitMEX is a trading platform that offers investors access to the global financial markets using only Bitcoin. BitMEX is built by finance professionals with over 40 years of combined experience and offers a comprehensive API and supporting tools. BitMEX is owned by HDR Global Trading Limited. Building on the success of BitMEX, the founding team established 100x, a holding company to pursue a broader vision to reshape the modern digital financial system into one which is inclusive and empowering.
The world’s best Bluetooth hardware wallet for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, Bitcoin Cash, and ERC20 Tokens
Top apps for spending cryptocurrency
Some crypto apps work just like mobile banking apps; you can use them to hold and exchange multiple digital and fiat currencies. Additionally, some of these come with both an account and debit card so you can pay with your crypto in a store as if you were using a normal bank card. Here are some of the best to choose from.
Cex.io offers exchange of fiat currency for Bitcoin Ethereum, Tether, and 23 other cryptocurrencies, as well as Bitcoin/Ethereum trading against the USD.
Binance has grown exponentially since it was founded in 2017 and is now one of, if not the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges on the market.
What should I look for in a cryptocurrency app?
There are a variety of factors you should consider before making a choice. Here is a quick summary of the key things you should look for.
Design and ease of use
If you are a beginner, choose one with a design and interface that is accessible and easy to use. For more advanced users, an app with a more complex but more customisable and flexible interface might be ideal. The point of downloading one is to make managing your coins easier, so don’t choose one that gets in the way.
Reputation and regulation
If you’re trusting a service with your coins, then you want to make sure that the platform is reliable. Make sure you check out our reviews of each app before downloading it to give you an idea of its pros and cons.
Some crypto services aren’t regulated, but services like brokers commonly are. You should generally try to use regulated services where possible because they offer more protection in case something goes wrong.
Tools and charts
An application’s tools can set it apart from the competition, providing its users with more options, personalisation and information.
For example, charts and charting tools are useful for traders and long-term investors when trying to read price movements. They generally include indicators like bases, bollinger bands and stochastic oscillators. Therefore, we recommend checking out the tools and charts an app offers before signing up.
Fees and commissions
Cryptocurrency apps aren’t charities; they need to make their money somewhere. Fees can be taken up-front, as part of a subscription, or even in the form of transaction fees or trading commissions. Make sure you are fully aware of the cost implications of using an app before you sign up.
Security
When using online apps, you want to make sure both your coins and your data are secure, so look for features like the levels of encryption, two-factor authentication (such as biometrics and passcodes), and the use of firewalls. Moreover, for wallets, you should check if the app offers cold (offline) storage of tokens to protect you from online attacks.
Additional features
These can set certain applications apart from the competition. Some have features like portfolio trackers, price alerts/notifications, news, educational content, tutorials and automatic trades, and you should look for features that are going to make your life easier and give you more options.
Can I use cryptocurrency apps on Android and iOS devices?
Yes, generally you can. However, be considerate that different app types will be available on different devices. To see if an app is available on your operating system, head over to the Google Play Store or the App Store and search for it, or check out the reviews section of our website to find an app for your device.
How much do cryptocurrency apps cost?
It depends on the type of app. While wallet apps are typically free, apps that allow you to buy, sell, and spend cryptocurrency will usually charge small commissions for each transaction. This is commonly from 1% to 2%, though we have seen as high as 5%, so watch out.
Do I have to verify my identity with a crypto app?
Again, this comes down to what sort of application you’re using. Most wallets do not require ID verification. However, some apps – such as brokers and some exchanges – require you to pass an identity verification check, and some will need you to provide a copy of your photo ID.
It is entirely up to the individual discretion of each app, and some platforms do not require any form of identification for using their services.
Are cryptocurrency apps the same as crypto wallets?
Online cryptocurrency wallets are a form of crypto app, but not all apps are wallets. Many applications that allow users to buy or trade crypto let them store coins in their account, but a specialised crypto wallet provides an enhanced layer of safety and security. Some wallets even come with offline storage options which can be accessed from your smartphone.
If you want to control your coins from a mobile or tablet device, then yes. Whilst services such as brokers are commonly operated through a desktop or laptop, the added flexibility of using a mobile application is hard to ignore and can give you easy access to your crypto investments.
Still undecided?
It is always a good idea to take your time before choosing a service. To help you decide what the best app is for your needs, we have compiled a list of pros and cons below – and some final things to consider.
Pros
Apps help you access crypto services at your fingertips, even when you are on the go
The large variety of apps available means that you can handle all of your crypto needs from your phone
Many provide a more user-friendly interface than online platforms
Cons
Losing your phone can lead to a major headache when trying to get back into your account
Certain ones have a more limited interface and fewer features than their online counterparts
If you are a budding trader, learning the ropes can be more difficult on a mobile device than on a desktop
This is entirely up to you. We feel they can be a good choice because they make the process of buying, selling, storing and paying with crypto easy and are a great option if you are on the move (or the sofa). Check out some of our crypto news and analysis below to see if now is the right time for you to buy:
Algorand’s (ALGO) price has advanced from $0.33 above $1.80 since the beginning of the 2021 year, and the current price stands around $1.42. The cryptocurrency market continues to trade in a bull zone; Bitcoin has stabilized above the $59000 level, indicating that the price could advance again above the…
The cryptocurrency market is advancing this Saturday, Bitcoin is trading very close to $60000 resistance, and for now, everything indicates that the price could advance above this level again. Aave’s (AAVE) price has advanced above the $375 level this trading week, and the main trend of this cryptocurrency remains bullish.
Ripple (XRP) price has moved about 100% higher in the past few days to surpass the $1 mark for the first time in over 3 years. Fundamental analysis: Ripple could continue without XRP Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said Ripple could continue operating without XRP if necessary. Garlinghouse argued that…
Yes. Those who invest large amounts of capital often spread risk by using several different apps, and this is the same tactic employed by some people to protect against a bank folding.
It can actually make more sense to use multiple apps as the platforms often offer different services. For instance you might want one to store your coins and another to handle your trades.
ℹ Are crypto apps legal?
Yes, they are just as legal as their stock counterparts in the UK. However, this may vary by jurisdiction, so make sure you check the law in your country.
ℹ Can I use cryptocurrency apps where I live?
Not always, and you can find out if you can use a particular one by checking if you can download it to your mobile device in your region. If your country has no internet restrictions, most should be available.
ℹ Can I use apps on my phone?
Yes, they are popularly used on mobile devices, and this is an easy, flexible way to get involved.
ℹ Do I have to pay to use crypto apps?
Virtually all of them are free to download, but you are likely to encounter fees and commissions with those that allow you to trade or spend cryptocurrency. All of these services aim to make money, and you should be able to find a detailed breakdown of fees in their terms and conditions.
ℹ Are there fees when buying cryptocurrency on an app?
Fees vary by platform, but you will commonly be charged some form of transaction fee when purchasing crypto. This amount will often reduce or even be eliminated if you execute a certain amount of regular transactions.
ℹ Are mobile apps safe?
The majority are safe due to the advanced level of software development and encryption that has contributed to their creation. However, you should check the safety features before installing one in our reviews section.
ℹ Are crypto apps regulated?
Not all of them, no. In the UK, any regulation will generally be to check for instances of money laundering, but it is not legally required for most services to submit to regulation. This policy varies by location, so make sure to research the rules in your jurisdiction.
ℹ Do I have to pay tax on any money I make?
There are no taxes on buying or holding crypto in the UK, but you may be subject to a capital gains tax when selling crypto assets that exceed your tax-free allowance. Once again, this varies by country so check before using an app. For more information, check the gov.uk website.
ℹ Do apps integrate with online accounts?
Yes, some with website counterparts allow you to easily move from desktop to mobile and vice versa.
ℹ What if I forget my password?
Most have password recovery options. For example, unlike hardware wallets, mobile wallets commonly allow users to access a locked account. For instance, FreeWallet stores the private keys of its users and allows them to access their coins with a conventional password.
ℹ Will I lose my money if I uninstall a crypto app?
You should not lose your money if you uninstall one provided you have not deleted your account. If you reinstall the app, you can transfer your funds to a different app or service of your choice.
ℹ What are the risks of using cryptocurrency apps?
The risks are largely the same as using any kind of financial services app. When buying, selling, paying with, or storing a cryptocurrency through an app, your capital will always be exposed to some degree of risk. However, the risk is no greater than having your local banking app installed.
ℹ Can I use my PayPal account to deposit money on an app?
Not all of them support PayPal, but some now provide this facility as a means of depositing funds so check the accepted payment methods before signing up.
Charlie joined the Invezz team in 2021. He previously worked in the mining and natural resources sector, providing in-depth analysis and incisive journalism. Charlie's experience with financial markets and investment reinforces a growing team.
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